Widow Capet Summary and Analysis

In chapter twenty-five, "Unfortunate Princess," the situation for Antoinette and her children becomes more bearable after the death of Louis. The people are faced with an uncomfortable decision. There's no history of a queen being executed, regardless of the crimes of her husband. Some want to see her brought to trial while others seem to want exile. Some offer the chance for escape but Antoinette's only chance is to escape alone and she continues to refuse to leave her children behind. The Pope makes the controversial announcement that Louis was martyred for his religion. The young Dauphin, no longer Dauphin but now referred to as Louis Charles, shows the signs of prolonged captivity. He is soon separated from his mother and cries for her at night, cries that Antoinette can hear from her own room. He is soon beaten...